So I did a search through the Hatrack Forums and I've seen we've discussed quotes to some extent or the other many times. But nothing really answers my question.
I am getting my novel ready and I'd like to start the novel with a famous quote from Eleanor Roosevelt.
Basically, this quote will be alone on the page before Chapter 1 starts.
I.E.
"BLAH BLAH BLAH" - Eleanor Roosevelt
Is this okay? Or are famous quotes copyright protected? I've seen this done in many other books, but I don't know if they got permission or not.
Best I can tell the quote doesn't come from a book, or any other printed work.
I didn't want to post the quote here just in case.
Posted by Grumpy old guy (Member # 9922) on :
It's my understanding that if you attribute the quote, as you have, then everything is okay. Also, there are time limits set on copyright and it needs to be renewed from time to time. Depends on the jurisdiction though.
Posted by Meredith (Member # 8368) on :
A single short, attributed quote from a public figure (which Eleanor Roosevelt certainly was) is probably fair use.
quote:Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission. -- Elanor Roosevelt
** waits for lawyers to strike **
Yep. Fair use.
Posted by Pyre Dynasty (Member # 1947) on :
Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's fine. Although if the line comes from a poem or a song then it's a little less fine.
Also something you may want to do is track down exactly where the quote came from because it is possibly a misquote.
"The best thing about the internet is nobody ever checks your sources so you can make up anything you want." ---Abraham Lincoln.
Posted by EVOC (Member # 9381) on :
I've checked it in various sources. I just don't know when it was said.
“It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
According to Wikiquotes, it's from a Voice of America broadcast, November 11th, 1951.
Regrets that I couldn't find a link to the actual speech right away.
Posted by wise (Member # 9779) on :
As I recall, Captain Kirk once said, "Blah, blah, blah" in one of the original Star Trek episodes. So maybe you want to attribute the quote to him instead of E. Roosevelt?
*waits for tomatoes to be thrown*
Posted by InarticulateBabbler (Member # 4849) on :
Quotes for epigraphs are fairly common, and if they are 70 years old or older, it should fall under fair use.